Gum contouring (gum reshaping)
A typical case, in 7 steps over 2 visits. Typically healing takes a week or less, and most people go back to work or school after one to two days. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Gum contouring (gum reshaping) · Visit 1
Talking about your goals
Your dentist or periodontist meets with you to talk about what you like about your smile and what you would like to change. They may take photos of your smile so you can plan together.
Source: clevelandclinic.org
Steps in a typical case
Talking about your goals
Your dentist or periodontist meets with you to talk about what you like about your smile and what you would like to change. They may take photos of your smile so you can plan together.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Exam and measurements
You have a dental exam to make sure you have no cavities, gum disease or other problems that need treatment first. The provider looks at your gum-to-tooth ratio, lip position and tooth wear to decide how much tissue to remove, and checks the bone level around each tooth.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Numbing
Your gums are numbed with local anesthetic before surgery starts. Many providers also offer sedation.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Marking and trimming
A special pen marks where your new gum line will be. Extra gum tissue is then removed with either a scalpel or a handheld laser.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Bone and finishing
If it is needed, a very small amount of bone around the teeth is removed so the gums are less likely to grow back. The remaining gum tissue is reshaped for a balanced look, and stitches may be used to slow bleeding.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Healing
The numbness wears off after a couple of hours and you will probably have mild soreness that over-the-counter pain relievers can ease. You eat soft foods, keep the area clean, avoid hard, crunchy or spicy foods for about a week and skip the gym for the first five days.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Checking the result
Your provider usually waits about eight to 12 weeks before judging whether you need another procedure to get the look you want.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically the surgery takes one to two hours, depending on how many teeth need treatment and whether you have sedation. Source 1 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typically healing takes a week or less, and most people go back to work or school after one to two days. Source 1 |
| How long it lasts | Typically the results are permanent, though gum tissue can rarely grow back, mostly when too little bone was removed. Source 1 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep: keeping the area clean, following the provider's brushing and flossing instructions, and going to follow-up visits. Source 1 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes 2 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D4210, D4211).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Gum contouring. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25208-gum-contouring. Accessed November 14, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: D4210, D4211.